January is the first month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars and one of seven months with the length of 31 days. The first day of the month is known as the day of New Year. It is, on average, the coldest month of the year within most of the Northern Hemisphere (where it is the second month of winter) and the warmest month of the year within most of the Southern Hemisphere (where it is the second month of summer).
January symbols: The birthstone of January is the garnet which represents constancy. Its birth flower is the cottage pink Dianthus caryophyllus or galanthus. In Finnish, the month of tammikuu means the heart of the winter and because the name literally means Oak moon. The zodiac signs for the month of January are Capricorn (until January 19) and Aquarius (January 20 onwards). The traditional English birth month flower is the Carnation.
Historical Events for January, 1904
Day of Week 7th » The distress signal "CQD" is established only to be replaced two years later by "SOS".
Day of Week 8th » The Blackstone Library is dedicated, marking the beginning of the Chicago Public Library system.
Day of Week 23rd » Ålesund Fire: the Norway Norwegian coastal town Ålesund is devastated by fire, leaving 10,000 people homeless and one person dead. Kaiser William II, German Emperor Wilhelm II funds the rebuilding of the town in Art Nouveau Jugendstil style.